parabola — a symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side
Pronunciation (IPA): /pəˈræbələ/
Example Sentences
- The water fountain creates a beautiful parabola as it arcs through the air.
- My math teacher said my test scores formed a parabola - unfortunately, it was upside down!
- The satellite dish has a parabolic shape to focus radio waves.
parabola
NOUN[/pəˈræbələ/]
a symmetrical open plane curve formed by the intersection of a cone with a plane parallel to its side
Cone intersected by plane creates parabola
Drawing parabolas while sipping cola, as viola melodies follow the curve's formula
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Greek 'parabolē' (parabole), derived from the concept of 'throwing alongside' or 'comparing'. Ancient Greek mathematicians used this term to describe the curve formed when a cone is cut by a plane parallel to its side, conceptualizing the geometric shape as something 'thrown alongside' or 'placed beside' a reference line.
Breakdown
para- (beside, alongside) + ballein (to throw, cast). The compound parabolē originally meant 'a throwing beside' or 'comparison', later applied to the mathematical curve that maintains a constant relationship with a fixed point and directrix.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The water fountain creates a beautiful parabola as it arcs through the air.”
“My math teacher said my test scores formed a parabola - unfortunately, it was upside down!”
“The satellite dish has a parabolic shape to focus radio waves.”
“When I throw my pizza dough in the air, it follows a perfect parabola before landing on my head.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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